Tom Belden

Back in the summer of 2008, speculation by commodities traders drove up oil prices, peaking one day at more than $140 a barrel before falling back. Airlines, staring ruin in the face, took advantage of the situation to first add fuel surcharges to fares and then to "unbundle" their fares, beginning the era of a la carte pricing in which fees are charged for things previously included in the ticket price. Airlines also have reduced capacity substantially since then as a way to stay profitable.